Let me guess— you could be reading this because you looked in the mirror this morning and thought, “I’ve got so much more that I want to accomplish!” You’re deciding that you want to get in better shape. But the question is, how and where? Don’t let the challenge of getting to a gym or having certain equipment stop you from your progress. Here are tips to get fit at home so nothing stands in your way.
Tips To Get Fit At Home
If it’s been a while since your last visit to the gym, the hardest part of getting back into the swing of an exercise routine probably isn’t finding your running shoes or remembering to stretch before hopping on the treadmill; it’s getting the confidence to venture into the world of working out again after what might feel like an irreversible hiatus.
This first thing you need to do is stop feeling guilty for falling out of step with your exercise regime. Life is crazy, and when working out becomes just too much to fit into your day, there’s usually a perfectly good excuse.
Maybe you just had your first, or another, child. Maybe you were promoted, started a new job, or took on extra responsibilities around the office. Maybe a loved one fell ill, or you were struggling with some physical ailment of your own. Or maybe you weren’t getting the results you wanted and simply lost motivation.
Whatever pushed you out of sync, recognize it as the roadblock that it was and make a promise to move forward from right where you are.
Why You Haven’t Stayed On A Regular Exercise Routine
A lot of us dive into working out entirely the wrong way. Especially after a long time away from the treadmill—or yoga class, or weight room, or bike—both our bodies and minds are reluctant to push through the difficult first few weeks of getting back on the horse.
Isabel De Los Rios from the Diet Solutions Program review states that the first six weeks of any exercise routine are the most challenging. But working out is like quitting smoking; aside from also being great for your health, both things become easier with time.
A lot easier.
That being said, adventuring out of the house in gym shorts and an Under Armor shirt is a formidable task for people who’ve been out of step with their physical health for some time. I’ve gone through the doldrums of trying to get back into an exercise routine, and you know what I found? It’s better to just get started at home! That is why these tips to get fit at home are so effective. You don’t have to think about anyone judging you and you and don’t have to waste time going anywhere. You can just get started on your fitness journey.
Close The Blinds And Open Your Mind
The two biggest roadblocks folks run into when exercising at home are lost motivation, and overbearing self-consciousness.
So, don’t pop in an exercise DVD and let yourself get discouraged and embarrassed when you’re winded within the first twenty minutes; instead, turn your normal around-the-house routine into a workout.
Buy some ankle weights and strap them on as soon as you get home from the office, picking up the kids or running errands. Keep them on while you fix dinner, guide your son through his algebra homework, fold laundry with your spouse, or vacuum the living room.
For ten minutes an hour, take a break from your routine and do alternating sets of sit-ups and push-ups. Don’t overexert yourself—remember: you’re building both physical strength and self-confidence, so slow and steady are definitely the race-winners here.
Investing In Health At Home Doesn’t Have To Break The Bank
A lot of people think that working out at home means buying expensive workout equipment or subscribing to pricey cable programs. However, you can get an excellent workout in the comfort of your own home without maxing out your Sears’ card.
After a week or two of gentle strength-building activities like the ankle weights and push ups I mentioned above, transition yourself into a more cardio-intensive home workout. Bring yourself back to the Presidential Fitness Test in middle school—jumping jacks, push-ups, toe touches and deep stretching.
If your house has a staircase in it, do a few rounds up and down the stairs. It might freak your dog out a little, but it’s a free, effective way to jump-start your heart and push your physical health into high-gear. You might also want to check out this list of no-gym methods to get in shape.
If you’re sweating and your heart’s beating quickly, you’re getting a workout and that is a good place to start! Which of these tips to get fit at home do you find most helpful?
Related Posts:
Thanks for this article! I find that once I get into a regular routine, my body craves it. If I stop for a while (if I’m sick, or on vaction or otherwise busy) my body starts to ache for it.
When you make an effort to move (more than walking up the stairs) your body feels better. If your body feels better, your mind feels better.
Great article!